The International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum announced that AW Direct, a leading direct marketing company providing equipment and supplies to the towing and service vehicle market, presented a donation of $10,000 to the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum’s Survivor Fund. The funds will provide financial support to families of those lost in the line of service.

Tom Welsh, Brand Manager for AW Direct, said, “It is a great honor for our organization to support theSurvivor Fund, and we are proud to support the Towing Industry with this donation.”

The Survivor Fund helps provide immediate financial help to families affected by tragedy in the line of service. The entire AW Direct team is proud to be a part of this great initiative. They know that people depend on the towing community, and they’re proud to show their support.

“We are very grateful for the generosity of AW Direct in supporting our Survivor Fund,” said Jeffrey Godwin, ITRHFM Board Member and Survivor Fund Committee Chairman. “As we work to provide funds for families when tragedies occur, we are also working to create an investment position to allow our Fund to meet the needs of our industry on a perpetual basis. Corporate donations like the one from AW Direct are key to our success in reaching our $1,000,000 goal.”

On average, close to 60 road service professionals are killed each year assisting stranded motorists on the side of busy roadways or performing their duties in towing and recovery. The Survivor Fund, founded in 2006 and managed by the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum, was started to offer financial support to the families that have lost a loved one in the line of service within industry. Since its inception, the Survivor Fund has approved and paid out over 150 claims to support families in their time of need due to tragic accidents.

About ITRHFM
The International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum, located in Chattanooga, TN, houses an array of displays and exhibits showcasing the history of towing and recovery. The rotating collection includes early equipment by Manley, Holmes, Vulcan, and Weaver. The Hall of Fame honors individuals who have significantly advanced the industry. The Museum includes a theater, a library, and a gift shop selling souvenirs related to the towing industry. On the outside grounds is the Wall of the Fallen memorial, dedicated to towers who died in the line of service. The ITRHFM Survivor Fund assists the families of the men and women that have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of service by providing a uniform financial gift at the time of their loss. ITRHFM is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and accepts donations for its programs and operations from individuals, corporations and groups. To learn more, visit www.internationaltowingmuseum.org.

By Jason Starr

Automated Fuels is a small business, just like most of the towing companies across the United States. What separates Automated Fuels from the rest of the Fleet Fueling Industry are consultation and customization. There are many large fleet fuel cards available in the marketplace today, such as WEX and Comdata. These giants may offer some level of convenience, but card fees and transaction fees can add up and increase your Total Costs of Fueling!

Automated Fuels has been servicing customers in the towing industry for a number of years, but recently has seen a great increase in the number of companies in the industry it is serving. Automated Fuels has towing industry customers from Pennsylvania to Illinois, and south to Alabama and Georgia. With over 1,250 locations in the Pacific Pride fuel network, Automated Fuels can help you almost anywhere in the United States.

Many owner/operators in the towing industry are still using cash or credit cards for their fueling needs. There is a better way, and Automated Fuels can show you how!

Consultation
Automated Fuels, Fleet Fuel Consultants will work with you to see what options are best for your company. They want to get to know you. Every business has unique needs, even if they are similar businesses. What works well for Joe’s Towing Service might not work for Steve’s Wrecker
Company. Automated Fuels wants to learn about your business. Once we understand the needs of your business when it comes to fueling, we can customize a system that best meets those needs. We are not going to fit your unique needs into a standard box like some fleet fuel companies; we want to build a box that fit your needs perfectly!

Customizations

• Flexible Billing Options
• Restrict Fuel by Type
  (i.e., Diesel or Gasoline; why would a diesel wrecker operator need to buy unleaded fuel?)
• Restrict Fuel Purchases by Time
  (If your company only operates from 6 a.m. to 12 a.m., why should anyone be allowed to get fuel when they should not be operating?)
• Restrict Fuel by Day
  (If your business doesn’t operate on Sunday, then your fuel cards should not access fuel on those days!)
• Restrict Fuel by Transaction
  (If the truck has an 80 gallon diesel tank, why would they need to get more than 80 gallons per transaction?)
• Eliminate Non Fuel Purchases
  (Credit Cards can be used anywhere; Automated Fuels cards can only be used an accepting network fuel locations.)
• Save Administrative Time
  Comprehensive Fuel Management Reports that include the following:
  • Track Purchases by Vehicle and/or Person
  • Track MPG (Miles Per Gallon) for Each Vehicle
  • Complete Tax Summary on Every Report
  • No More Sorting Receipts
  • No More Data Entry
  • No More Credit Card Billing Statement to Convert

Here is what a few of Automated Fuels customers are saying about them. “Automated Fuels has helped us save money on our fuel cost. We have a couple of tanks on site, but their program works so well for our company, we purchase our fuel at Pacific Pride.”
Mike – Indiana

“I was sending my drivers with cash each day before I started working with Automated Fuels. Looking back, it was a nightmare with all of those receipts and creating reports. Automated Fuels has helped me manage my fuel costs and save me a lot of headache with their weekly fuel management reports.”
Jeff – Pennsylvania

“When I branched out and started my own company, I knew from my past experience with another towing company that Automated Fuels – Pacific Pride would work for me. Their customer service has been top notch!”
Paul – Indiana

“We were using one of the large fuel card companies for our fuel purchases. After working with our Fleet Fuel Consultant at Automated Fuels, we have been able to save time and money because they customized a fuel program specifically for our needs.”
Dan – Tennessee

Automated Fuels works with companies in many industries, but they understand some of the challenges you face in the towing industry. Let their 30 years in the fleet fueling industry help your business save time and money!

Automated Fuels
800-288-6383
www.automatedfuels.com

Virgo Fleet Supplies, the largest supplier of tow truck parts and accessories in the New York City area, has just launched its new website with thousands of items for your tow truck: www.virgofleet.com. The website is mobile friendly. In conjunction with our website, we offer a free full color catalog of parts and accessories to dress up your tow vehicles.

We stock a full line of tow chains, wheel lift straps, snatch blocks, winch cables, and tow hooks for immediately delivery. We also stock a huge assortment of light bars, warning strobes, and LED lighting for safety, as well as to enhance the appearance of your tow truck, plus a large selection of maintenance parts to help keep your trucks running smoothly. Virgo can fill special orders for unique custom chrome and stainless accessories, wheel simulators, aluminum rims, exhaust parts and anything else a truck owner/operator may want. Most orders are filled within 24 hours of receipt.

Call toll-free 800-270-6003 to request your free full color catalog. Or visit us at www.virgofleet.com to request a free catalog and view the thousands of products we have to enhance the operation and appearance of your tow trucks.

We know it takes teamwork and support to be a successful tow and service provider. We want you to know, we’re in this partnership together. We’ve been teaming up with service providers since 1968, making us an experienced choice. With our proven performance and reliability, you can count on us.

Every day, our contracted service providers perform outstanding and timely service. In return, we care about your business by guaranteeing personal service, on-time payments and flexibility. We strive to save you money. Our contracted service providers have access to uniform discounts at G & K, loading equipment discounts at Condor and financing deals at Equipment Advantage Funding. We focus on your customers by knowing what customers want and communicating the professionalism and compassion customers expect from start to finish.

To learn more about partnering with us, go to WWW.USACMD.COM and apply to be a contracted service provider today.

Thank you for letting us be a part of your community. We’re a partnership you can grow with.

Tow Ramps, manufactured by Brute Technologies, is a Made in the USA product that was exclusively designed for tow and transport companies who deal with low-clearance muscle, import, exotic and luxury cars. Based in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, in the city of Escanaba, Brute Technologies continues to lead the industry with their solid core, patented design and construction of its ramps.

The success of the Tow Ramps line of products can be attributed to providing a product that allows forincreased safety, efficiency and convenience. Coupling brute strength with the product’s light weight,Tow Ramps provides a professional image for tow and transport companies while also instilling customer confidence.

With a durable exterior coating, Tow Ramps provides an element of safety, as the product will not slip or slide, no matter the surface. New two-piece designs have also made transporting Tow Ramps even easier. While the Tow Ramps line of products includes several designs that address different heights,widths and angles, Brute Technologies also provides custom designed ramps that can typically be delivered in less than two weeks.

Brute Technologies strives to provide customers with the best products they will ever own. Their service is strengthened with superlative customer support and service.

www.towramps.com
(866) 464-2788
support@raceramps.com

By Jeff Stallings

Did you know that it’s possible to tap into a $3 billion industry that complements towing by utilizing your existing resources? The portable self storage industry is barely 15 years old and growing rapidly. This article will explain how adding portable storage to an existing Towing Operation can provide a stable revenue stream while utilizing your existing resources.

Portable Storage was created to provide a more convenient option for customers needing self-storage. The portable storage container is brought to the customer’s home or business where they pack it up. Once it is packed, it can be stored at the customer’s property or brought back to a portable storage company’s secure outdoor storage lot or warehouse.

Portable Storage containers are extremely durable, typically have a 30-year life cycle, are waterproof, secure, can carry up to 10,000 pounds and withstand winds up to 120 miles an hour. They are commonly 12, 16, and 20 feet in length.

An exciting new company, called SnappyBox® Moving and Storage, is bringing portable storage to the towing industry. It does this by utilizing the existing resources a towing operator already has (like standard rollback trucks and a secure lot) to generate additional revenue. Towing Operators can get into the portable self storage industry with significantly reduced investment compared to companies that only do Portable Storage like PODS® and 1-800-Pack-Rat®. Portable Storage complements the Towing Industry perfectly and helps operators have a more stable and diverse revenue stream. The typical portable storage container rents for $200 per month and stays rented an average of 6 months. That is $1,200 on average of gross revenue generated off just 1 container rented. Multiply this by 50, 100, or 200 containers and towing operators can generate a significant profit.

Most portable storage companies require an initial start up cost of more than $3 million in order to purchase a suitable facility, buy specialized trucks, a forklift, purchase 300-400 containers and hire staff. This is the cost to just get many of these franchise locations to break even. Under the SnappyBox® model, Tow Operators can break even with as few as 6 containers rented and this factors in the cost of financing. SnappyBox® makes it easy for Towing Operators who already have rollback trucks, drivers, and extra space on a secure lot to add portable storage to their existing business. They provide a good source of high quality, light weight containers that are specifically designed to be moved loaded with rollback trucks, and they manage all aspects of the portable storage side of the business so the tow operator can focus on their towing operation. They have 10 years of experience in the portable storage industry, and they use this knowledge to provide a turn-key, full service Portable Self-Storage Management program to Tow Operators. To find out more about their services, check them out at snappybox.com/towing.

If you are looking for a way to diversify your towing business, create another source of revenue for your business and utilize your trucks and drivers through slow times, then SnappyBox® Moving and Storage may be a great solution for you.

Jeff Stallings
Chief Entrepreneur
Mobile Attic
600 East Killian Rd.
Columbia, SC 29229
Cell: 803-553-0002

The #1 Selling LCF Truck in America Since 1986

The challenge in any recovery & towing application is the integration of practical applications with sensible solutions. Maximum uptime, ease and cost of maintenance, driver efficiency and fuel economy are major components of the challenge to reduce costs and maximize profit; ultimately realizing the lowest cost of operation which provides the lowest cost of vehicle ownership.

Isuzu offers LCF medium duty trucks with a gasoline engine that is CNG/LPG capable, two diesel engines, wheelbases from 109 inches to 212 inches, and GVWRs from 12,000 lbs. to 19,500 lbs. Optimizing your truck requirements with the most efficient choice of engine, fuel, body and payload capacity is a distinct Isuzu advantage that provides service & support vehicle applications in addition to your wheel lift and roll back requirements.

Isuzu’s LCF cab/chassis is maneuverable with best in class turning radius, excellent visibility and provides improved repeated cab entry and egress with an 85 degree door opening and a cab interior that is designed for operational comfort and efficiency. Supporting Isuzu’s legendary dependability are customer support programs including 24,000 miles/60 months covered maintenance, comprehensive standard and extended warranty programs, and a nationwide network of dealers that provide certified service and Genuine Isuzu and FleetValue parts.

Your local authorized Isuzu truck dealer can demonstrate to you the outstanding features, efficiencies and lower cost of ownership capabilities Isuzu trucks can provide to your business. Call (866) 441-9638 or visit www.isuzucv.com today.

In The Ditch Towing Products has released the all new SLS™ Speed® Dolly. The SLS™ Speed® Dolly is equipped with the all new SLS™ Speed Lube Spindle by In The Ditch that makes tow dolly maintenance very easy and quick. After years of development and testing on the Speed Lube™ Spindle or SLS™, the SLS™ Speed® Dolly is now available for purchase through an authorized In The Ditch dealer. In The Ditch has been listening to its customers and found that they wanted a better way to maintain and lubricate the bearings in their Speed® Dolly sets. Current tow dolly designs push new grease into the bearing, trapping old grease and forcing seals out or the dust cap to pop off when in use.

In The Ditch has found a solution to this problem with the new SLS™ Speed® Dolly. With the Speed Lube™ Spindle system, the user pumps grease directly into the spindle on the SLS™ Speed® Dolly with a grease gun. The grease travels through the inside of the spindle, comes out behind the rear bearing and forces the old grease forward through the back side of both bearings and out the front of the SLS™ grease cap. This system allows easy lubrication maintenance to the SLS™ Speed® Dolly and forces old grease out at the same time. No more trapped old grease or forced seals.

“This has been a long term goal and vision for our company to introduce the SLS™ system to our industry. We have been testing over and over in an effort to produce the best dolly we possibly can. We believe our team has done it,” says Chuck Ceccarelli, president of In The Ditch Towing Products.

In The Ditch Towing Products is the manufacturer of American-made, quality towing equipment, organizational products and truck and shop accessories. For more information on In The Ditch and the SLS™ Speed® Dolly, please visit www.intheditch.com or find In The Ditch Towing Products on Facebook.

CONTACT:
Jenn George
In The Ditch Towing Products
3195 Industrial Way
Mountain Home, Idaho 83647
Toll Free: 1-888-993-4824
Local: 208-587-7960
jenn.george@intheditch.com
www.intheditch.com

Evans Waterless Coolants are revolutionary coolants offering advantages not available with typical water-based coolants. Almost all other antifreeze formulations contain 50% water.

Evans high boiling point of 375°F is more than 100 degrees higher than the boiling point of water-based coolant. Evans will not form vapor, will not boil over, and operates at a much lower, safer pressure. There’ll be no gusher of coolant spraying out, and frequent topping off is not necessary. Evans protects against cold weather, too — from minus 40°F to 375F.

Also, with no water, Evans avoids corrosion, electrolysis and cylinder liner cavitation erosion. Evans will last the life of your engine, and never needs changing. That means less maintenance problems, less headaches, and more productivity.

Evans performs like no other engine coolant. Prolong your engine life and preserve your investment.

To learn more about Evans waterless coolant technology, visit our website at www.evanscooling.com or give us a call at 888-990-2665.